WriterCon

Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, offers writing tips, and interviews Deborah Falaye, author of the new young-adult novel, Blood Scion.

Introduction
William Bernhardt's new novel, Shameless, the third book in the Kenzi Rivera legal thriller series, is now on sale.
https://amazon.com/Shameless-Splitsville-Legal-Thriller-Book-ebook/dp/B09T7ZFTZ5/

It's not too late to register for WriterCon and get the Early Bird pricing. WriterCon is Sept 2-5, 2020 in Oklahoma City. We have speakers covering every imaginable genre, plus agents, editors, publishers, pitch sessions, Night Owl roundtables, and much more. www.writercon.com

News
1) Author Loses Lambda Prize Nomination After Online Controversy; and
2) Writer Beware has a new URL: https://writerbeware.blog

Interview
Our guest is Deborah Falaye, whose first novel, Blood Scion, is based on the legends and mythologies rooted in her Nigerian Yoruba culture. In this interview, you will learn:
1) why writing is a journey, not a race;
2) how she researched her novel;
3) how she incorporated Nigerian myths and legends;
4) why she writes hundreds of pages of outlines;
5) how she treated dark subjects like child soldiers; and
6) why she chose to write for young adults.

Parting Words
Our annual writers conference, WriterCon, will have authors, agents, editors, book marketers, author assistants, over 70 sessions, and many chances for you to meet people, network, and get the connections and knowledge you need to build your writing career. Right now, you can take advantage of the Early Bird price, but we are getting close to the cutoff date, so if you’re interested, please check out the website: www.writercon.com

Until next time, keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.

William Bernhardt
www.williambernhardt.com
[email protected]

Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, offers writing tips, and interviews Erica Ferencik, author of many outstanding, critically acclaimed thrillers, most recently, Girl in Ice.

Chapter 1—Introduction
William Bernhardt's new legal thriller, Shameless, is now on sale! This is the third novel in his Kenzi Rivera series.
https://amazon.com/Shameless-Splitsville-Legal-Thriller-Book-ebook/dp/B09T7ZFTZ5/

WriterCon 2022 offers presentations and guidance on a wide range of author issues and genres, as well as author assistance for those working in traditional or independent presses.
For more info or to register, visit: www.writercon.com

Chapter 2—News
a) Amazon Opens AMS Ads to All Authors—Even Traditionally Published; and
b) Amazon Launches Clubhouse-Like Audio Service—with Music Streaming

Chapter 3—Interview with Erica Ferencik
The author of Girl in Ice discusses her journey to completing this and her other novels, discussing:
a) where she gets her unique and original premises;
b) her writing process;
c) why her initial outline is just a starting place;
d) researching faraway locations;
e) creating imaginary languages; and
f) creating strong, adventurous female protagonists.

Chapter 4—Parting Words
Bernhardt's annual writers conference, WriterCon, will have authors, agents, editors, book marketers, author assistants, over 70 sessions, and many chances for you to meet people, network, and get the connections and knowledge you need to build your writing career. Right now, you can take advantage of the Early Bird price, but that will not last much longer.
www.writercon.com

If you’re writing or aspiring to write, join our Facebook Group, Red Sneaker Writers, so you can get daily updates.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/113141678727273

Bernhardt also has a free Red Sneaker Writers e-newsletter that goes out every other week. To be added to the mailing list, email: [email protected].

William Bernhardt
www.williambernhardt.com
[email protected]

Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, offers writing tips, and interviews Erika Lewis, critically acclaimed author of Kelcie Murphy and the Academy for the Unbreakable Arts.

Chapter 1: Introduction
William Bernhardt is hosting a small-group writing retreat in Eureka Springs on June 15-19, 2022. This immersive experience will give you feedback on your work-in-progress, writing advice, specific critique, discussion on topics relevant to your work, and a great group of new writing friends.

For more information about Bernhardt's small-group writing retreat, visit: https://williambernhardt.com/writing-retreats/

Chapter 2: News
a) Amazon is closing its brick-and-mortar bookstores, and
b) Brandon Sanderson is taking a deep dive into self-publishing with a hugely successful Kickstarter.

Chapter 3: Interview with Erika Lewis
In this interview, the author of this new fantasy series for young readers discusses:
a) writing for young audiences;
b) creating an immersive fantasy world;
c) researching Celtic mythology;
d) having the patience to write;
e) how revision is key to successful writing;
and much more!

Chapter 4: Parting Words
William Bernhardt's new novel, Shameless (Kenzi Rivera Legal Thriller #3) is now available for pre-order:
https://amazon.com/Shameless-Splitsville-Legal-Thriller-Book-ebook/dp/B09T7ZFTZ5/

Mark your calendar for WriterCon, the annual writing conference hosted by William Bernhardt in Oklahoma City over Labor Day weekend (Sept 2-5) with more than 50 presenters, including writers, agents, and publishers, and over 70 sessions covering all realms of publishing. Take your writing career to the next level!
www.writercon.com

Join the RedSneaker Writers Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/113141678727273

William Bernhardt
www.williambernhardt.com
[email protected]

Host William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, offers writing tips and, for the first time, discusses his thirty years in the book world, starting with his first bestselling novel, Primary Justice, in 1991.

Chapter 1: Introduction
a) Cover Reveal for Bernhardt's next novel, Shameless
b) Update on WriterCon, the writers conference held over Labor Day weekend, Sept 2-5

Chapter 2: News
a) Draft2Digital Acquires Smashwords
b) The Booming Creator Economy

Chapter 3: Interview
Jesse Ulrich interviews host William Bernhardt about his thirty-year career as a bestselling writer. He discusses:
a) why it is so important to write every day;
b) why he outlines, and how;
c) his influences, like Tony Hillerman and Sue Grafton;
d) how to make a writing schedule; and
e) why mentoring and teaching are so important to him...and led to WriterCon.

Chapter 4: Parting Words
If you’re writing or aspiring to write, join our Facebook Group, Red Sneaker Writers, so you can get daily updates. www.facebook.com/groups/113141678727273

I also have a free Red Sneaker e-newsletter that goes out every other week. Send me your email address ([email protected]) and I’ll add you to the list.

Our annual writers conference, WriterCon, has authors, agents, editors, book marketers, author assistants, over 70 sessions, including night owl roundtable sessions, and many chances for you to meet people, network, and get the connections and knowledge you need to build your writing career. Right now, you can take advantage of the Early Bird price, but that will not last forever. www.writercon.com

William Bernhardt
www.williambernhardt.com

Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, offers writing tips, and interviews Lara Elena Donnelly, author of The Amberlough Dossier and her new novel, Base Notes.

Chapter 1: Introduction
WriterCon is our annual writers conference designed for YOU, people who are serious about writing and becoming successful writers. The conference is in OKC over Labor Day weekend, Sept 2-5. The sessions are recorded so you can participate even if you don’t come in person. At WriterCon you’ll have a chance to pitch leading agents and editors, consult with a wide variety of experts, and meet some wonderful people. Headliners this year include NYT-bestselling thriller writer Robert Dugoni and former US Poet Laureate Billy Collins. Learn more at: www.writercon.com.

Chapter 2: News
q) Nelson Literary Agency releases annual statistics on queries received and authors signed; and
b) Different sources provide different information about print and eBook sales in 2021.

Chapter 2: Interview with Lara Elena Donnelly
In this interview, the Nebula, Locus, and Lambda-nominated author discusses:
a) where she gets her unique ideas;
b) how she researches her books;
c) how she handles gender norms;
d) whether artists must make sacrifices for their work;
e) character sympathy versus character empathy; and
f) creating an evolving outline.

Chapter 4: Parting Words
Join us over Labor Day weekend for WriterCon 2022!
www.writercon.com

Join the RedSneaker Writers Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/113141678727273

William Bernhardt
www.williambernhardt.com
[email protected]

Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, offers writing tips, and interviews Jacquelyn Mitchard, the New York Times-bestselling author and Oprah's Book Club author of The Good Son.

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 2: News
a) New Survey from the Alliance of Independent Authors
https://selfpublishingadvice.org/what-readers-want-2022/
b) Gallup Poll Suggests People Are Reading Fewer Books
https://news.gallup.com/poll/388541/americans-reading-fewer-books-past.aspx
c) Harlequin launches a subscription service

Chapter 3: Interview with Jacquelyn Mitchard
In this interview, this multi-bestselling author discusses:
a) where she gets her ideas;
b) how to create unsympathetic characters without losing readers;
c) writing and revision;
d) modern-day book marketing; and
e) writing in many genres.

Chapter 4: Parting Words
Our annual writers conference, WriterCon, just posted its 2022 webpage. This year, the conference takes place in Oklahoma City over Labor Day weekend, Sept 2-5. Headline guests include NYT bestselling novelist Robert Dugoni and US Poet Laureate Billy Collins. This year we will have all the familiar features and many new ones, all designed to help you take your writing career to the next level. Right now, you can take advantage of the Early Bird price, but that will not last forever. Join us!
www.writercon.com

William Bernhardt
www.williambernhardt.com
[email protected]

Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, offers writing tips, and interviews Lara Bernhardt, author of The Wantland Files series and Shadow of the Taj.

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 2: News
a) Simon & Schuster employee charged with manuscript theft; and
b) Findaway Voices adds narrator search.

Chapter 3: Interview
Bernhardt interviews award-winning author (also his wife) Lara Bernhardt, author of The Wantland Files supernatural suspense series.
In this interview, she discusses:
a) finding her writing space;
b) living with another author;
c) what she's learned during the journey; and
d) charting a course for series characters.

Chapter 4: Parting Words
If you’re writing or aspiring to write, join our Facebook Group, Red Sneaker Writers, so you can get daily updates and follow the ongoing discussion. Bernhardt also issues a free Red Sneaker newsletter that goes out every other week. Send your email address to [email protected] to be added to the list. Or visit www.williambernhardt.com

William Bernhardt
www.williambernhardt.com
[email protected]

Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, offers writing tips, and interviews Tanya Gough, creator of the online writing tool StoryBilder.

Chapter 1: Introduction
Happy New Year!

Chapter 2: News
Bernhardt assesses the book world trends and development of 2021 and makes predictions about 2022.
a) Social media platforms will change and TikTok will dominante;
b) More indie authors will obtain movie/tv deals;
c) More indie authors will go "wide for the win;" and
d) Authors will increasingly use AI and other forms of digital tech.

Chapter 3: Interview
Bernhardt interviews Tanya Gough, creator of a new online writing tool called StoryBilder which launches in February. Register now to be an early adopter.

In this interview, Gough discusses:
a) how she built this tool on her own;
b) what StoryBilder can do for you;
c) the importance of simplifying a monumental task;
d) the advantages of "writing live," and
e) how to push past obstacles and get your writing done.

For a free six-month subscription, visit: storybilder.com/redsneaker

Chapter 4: Parting Words
If you’re writing or aspiring to write, join our Facebook Group, Red Sneaker Writers, so you can get daily updates. I also have a free Red Sneaker newsletter that goes out every other week. Send me your email address ([email protected]) and I’ll add you to the list.

You can follow this podcast so it is automatically downloaded for you each time we load a new episode, or if you prefer the video version, subscribe to the William Bernhardt YouTube channel.

Join the RedSneaker Writers Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/113141678727273

Until next time (start extro music), Keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.

William Bernhardt
www.williambernhardt.com
[email protected]

Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, offers writing tips, and interviews Susan Johnson, author of Some Dreams Are Worth Keeping: A Memoir of My Bipolar Journey.

Chapter 1: Introduction
Merry Christmas!

Chapter 2: News
Bernhardt discusses some of the findings and conclusions in the Alliance of Independent Authors' annual report.
Annual Report: https://selfpublishingadvice.org/review-2021/

Chapter 3: Interview with Susan Johnson
Bernhardt interviews the author about her book: Some Dreams Are Worth Keeping: A Memoir of my Bipolar Journey. In the interview, she discusses:
a) what compelled her to write this book;
b) the takeaway she provides for readers;
c) how she struggled with bipolar illness;
d) the years she spent wrestling with this book; and
e) the challenge of being completely honest.

Chapter 4: Parting Words
Bernhardt's latest novel is Exposed, Book 2 in the Splitsville legal thriller series.

If you’re writing or aspiring to write, join our Facebook Group, Red Sneaker Writers, so you can get daily updates.

If you’re enjoying this podcast, please rate or review it wherever you get podcasts. It makes it easier for new listeners to discover us.

Keep writing, and remember: You cannot fail, if you refuse to quit.

Bernhardt's new novel, Exposed: https://amzn.to/30v5YST

Join the RedSneaker Writers Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/113141678727273

Support this podcast and keep it ad-free by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/willbern

William Bernhardt
www.williambernhardt.com
[email protected]

Bestselling author William Bernhardt discusses the latest news from the world of books, offers writing tips, and interviews the four authors who contributed novellas to the holiday anthology Christmas Tapestry: Betsey Kulakowski, Tamara Grantham, John Wooley, and Kenneth Andrus.

Chapter 1: Introduction
Bernhardt celebrates the 30th anniversary of the publication of his first novel, Primary Justice, on December 13, 1991.
Primary Justice: https://amzn.to/31KLQNk

Chapter 2: News
Bernhardt discusses two breaking news stories:
a) Open Road Media will be acquired by an investor group; and
b) Written Word Media released its annual survey on indie writers.
https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/the-state-of-indie-authorship-in-2021/

Chapter 3: Interview
Bernhardt talks to the contributors to Christmas Tapestry: A Collection of Holiday Tales. In the interview, they discuss:
a) how they adjusted series characters to fit a shorter holiday format;
b) how they develop characters;
c) how they build a series;
d) planners vs. pantsers—and Prancers!, and
e) what they've learned since they started publishing.
"Either they wear you down, or you wear them down."

Chapter 4: Parting Words
Bernhardt's new novel, Exposed (Kenzi Rivera #2) is now on sale!
https://amzn.to/3IIbdQp
Get Christmas Tapestry for the holiday season!
https://amzn.to/30k7Eyz
Support this podcast on Patreon!
www.patreon.com/willbern
Please rate or review this show wherever you get podcasts. It makes it easier for new listeners to discover us.

William Bernhardt
[email protected]
www.williambernhardt.com